on a mass scale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a mass scale" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a large-scale event, situation, or phenomenon that affects a large number of people or things. For example: "The coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on a mass scale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For one, coffee roasted darker and longer is easier to produce consistently on a mass scale.

Huffington Post

They proposed to do this on a mass scale, worldwide.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Corruption of this sort existed on a mass scale.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Our right to privacy has been compromised on a regular basis and on a mass scale.

The Guardian

"Boys are being force-fed this very plastic sexuality on a mass scale.

The Guardian

Fabrics were designed for the Wiener Werkstätte movement and produced on a mass scale.

The New York Times

Revolutionary science has always incited visceral hatred on a mass scale.

The New Yorker

Chain production requires control, and they'd figured out how to achieve it on a mass scale.

The New Yorker

For example, the court found that Bashir's forces have raped on a mass scale in Darfur.

The Guardian - Opinion

But there were never killings, let alone on a mass scale.

The New Yorker

All this, however, has not stopped Iranians from expressing their criticisms on a mass scale.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on a mass scale", consider the specific context. Ensure it accurately conveys the magnitude or scope you intend. For example, use it when discussing societal shifts, industrial production, or widespread impact.

Common error

Avoid using "on a mass scale" when referring to something that is inherently singular or limited in scope. It's more appropriate for phenomena that affect a large number of people or things. For example, instead of saying "He experienced sadness on a mass scale", try "He experienced profound sadness".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a mass scale" primarily functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the extent or scope of an action or phenomenon. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it describes the magnitude or widespread nature of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a mass scale" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe events or processes that occur extensively or impact a large number of people or things. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news media and academic contexts. While closely related to phrases like "on a large scale", "widely", or "extensively", it carries a specific nuance of widespread impact, and should not be confused with words that imply a negative outcome. By following the usage tips provided, you can effectively incorporate this phrase into your writing to convey the desired sense of magnitude and scope.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a large scale

Synonymous; replaces "mass" with "large" maintaining prepositional phrase structure.

on a grand scale

Uses "grand" to emphasize the impressiveness of the scale, unlike the neutral tone of "mass".

extensively

This is a single-word adverb implying breadth, differing from the prepositional phrase structure.

on an unprecedented scale

Implies that an increase is so vast, it surpasses everything that's come before it.

widely

This adverb indicates common occurrence, omitting the explicit notion of scale.

extensively implemented

Adds the element of implementation. Meaning something is not just large, it's large and being used.

across the board

This idiom suggests that something applies universally, differing from "on a mass scale" by implying that it's the universal impact not only the size that's important.

in epidemic proportions

More intense with the negative idea that something that affects a large group has a very negative outcome.

across the board

Expresses how something is extensive and uniform, not particularly on size, but more how wide the change is.

rampant

Usually implies a bad event, so it's negative while "on a mass scale" doesn't have a direction.

FAQs

How can I use "on a mass scale" in a sentence?

You can use "on a mass scale" to describe something happening extensively or impacting a large number of individuals. For instance, "The new technology was adopted "on a mass scale" across the country".

What phrases are similar to "on a mass scale"?

Similar phrases include "on a large scale", "widely", or "extensively". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "on a mass scale" formal or informal?

"On a mass scale" is generally considered neutral to formal, suitable for news articles, academic papers, and professional communications. More informal alternatives exist, but this phrase is widely accepted.

What is the difference between "on a mass scale" and "on a large scale"?

While very similar, "on a mass scale" often implies a degree of uniformity or standardization, whereas "on a large scale" simply indicates size. The difference is subtle and context-dependent.